FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present technology relates to the field of camping equipment. More particularly,
the present technology relates to modular tents.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The use of tents is a common and well-known way to provide campers (car campers,
hikers/backpackers, mountaineers, hunters, military etc.) with temporary shelter and
protection from the elements. Tents generally include a structural component, such
as tent poles, and an enclosure supported by the structural component. It is generally
desirable for a tent to be collapsible into a portable package so that the tent can
be easily transported. Campers can purchase tents of varying attributes - sizes (e.g.,
maximum number of occupants), materials (engineered polymer fabrics, cotton canvas,
mesh, aluminum, fiber glass etc.), shapes (domed, hexagonal, elliptical, pyramid,
and other geometric design combinations) and quality (summer, 3 seasons, 4 seasons,
car camping etc.) to suit their needs. Campers sometimes own multiple tents having
such varying attributes, so that an appropriate tent can be selected based on the
needs of a particular camping trip.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure may be embodied in a modular tent comprising an upper tent
portion defining a first base surface area, wherein the upper tent portion does not
include a floor surface; and a base extension that includes a floor surface having
a second base surface area, the second base surface area being larger than the first
base surface area, wherein the base extension is removably secured to the upper tent
portion, wherein the base extension, when secured to the upper tent portion, results
in a base surface area of the modular tent increasing to the second base surface area.
[0004] In an embodiment, the upper tent portion comprises a door and the base extension
comprises a door extension.
[0005] In an embodiment, the door extension lowers an entryway height of the modular tent.
[0006] In an embodiment, the door extension is removably secured to the door.
[0007] In an embodiment, the base extension is removably secured to the upper tent portion
using zip fastener.
[0008] In an embodiment, the modular tent further comprises one or more tent poles. The
tent poles can be adjustable in length.
[0009] In an embodiment, the modular tent further comprises a rainfly having one or more
adjustable dimensions.
[0010] In an embodiment, the base extension is removably secured to the upper tent portion
using at least one of: a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a press-in fastener,
or a detachable slider.
[0011] The present disclosure may also be embodied in an apparatus comprising a base extension
that includes a floor surface, the base extension being configured to be removably
secured to an upper tent portion to increase a base surface area defined by the upper
tent portion, wherein the upper tent portion does not include a floor surface; and
a fastener for securing the base extension to the upper tent portion.
[0012] In an embodiment, the base extension comprises a door extension for extending an
entryway of the upper tent portion.
[0013] In an embodiment, the door extension is configured to be removably secured to a door
on the upper tent portion.
[0014] In an embodiment, the fastener comprises at least one of: a zip fastener, a hook
and loo fastener, a press-in fastener, or a detachable slider.
[0015] The present disclosure can also be embodied in a method comprising: deploying a modular
tent having an upper tent portion, wherein the upper tent portion does not include
a floor surface; and securing a removable first base extension that includes a floor
surface to the upper tent portion of the modular tent, the first base extension having
a first base surface area that is different from an existing base surface area defined
by the upper tent portion.
[0016] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: removing the removable first base
extension from the upper portion of the modular tent; and securing a second base extension
that includes a floor surface to the upper tent portion of the modular tent, the second
base extension having a second base surface area that is greater than the first base
surface area.
[0017] In an embodiment, the upper tent portion comprises a door, and the second base extension
comprises a door extension.
[0018] In an embodiment, the first base extension does not comprise a door extension.
[0019] In an embodiment, when the second base extension is secured to the upper tent portion,
the door extension is removably secured to the door.
[0020] In an embodiment, the door extension lowers an entryway height of the modular tent.
[0021] In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting a length of a support pole
based on the first base extension; and securing the support pole to the upper tent
portion.
[0022] In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting a size of a rainfly based
on the first base extension, and securing the rainfly to the modular tent.
[0023] It should be appreciated that many other features, applications, embodiments, and/or
variations of the disclosed technology will be apparent from the accompanying drawings
and from the following detailed description. Additional and/or alternative implementations
of the structures, systems, and methods described herein can be employed without departing
from the principles of the disclosed technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024]
FIGURE 1 provides a perspective view of a modular tent having a first, smaller base extension,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 2 provides a perspective view of a modular tent having a second, larger base extension,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 3 provides a perspective view of an upper tent portion of a modular tent, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 4 provides a perspective view of a first base extension, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 5 provides a perspective view of a modular tent incorporating the upper tent portion
of FIGURE 3 and the first base extension of FIGURE 4, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIGURE 6 provides a perspective view of a second base extension having a door extension, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 7 provides a perspective view of a modular tent incorporating the upper tent portion
of FIGURE 3 and the second base extension of FIGURE 6, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 8 illustrates an example method associated with assembling a modular tent, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] The figures depict various embodiments of the disclosed technology for purposes of
illustration only, wherein the figures use like reference numerals to identify like
elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion
that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated in the figures
can be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosed technology
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
MODULAR TENT HAVING BASE EXTENSIONS
[0026] Tents are a popular and well-known way to provide campers (e.g., car campers, hikers/backpackers,
mountaineers, hunters, military etc
.) with temporary shelter and protection from the elements. Tents generally include
a structural component, such as tent poles, and an enclosure supported by the structural
component to protect users from the elements. It is generally desirable for a tent
to be collapsible into a portable package so that the tent can be transported. Campers
can purchase tents of varying sizes (e.g., maximum number of occupants), materials
(e.g., engineered polymer fabrics, cotton canvas, mesh, aluminum, fiber glass, etc.),
shapes (domed, hexagonal, elliptical, pyramid, and other geometric design combinations),
and quality (e.g., summer, 3 seasons, 4 seasons, car camping, etc.) to suit their
needs. Tents are often sold based on the number of people the tent can accommodate.
For example, a customer can purchase a 1-person tent all the way up to a 12-person
tent at common retail merchants. The total number of people that can be accommodated
within a tent is largely dependent on the base surface area provided by the tent.
For example, a tent having a base surface area of 40 sq. ft. may be able to comfortably
accommodate two people while a tent having a base surface area of 100 sq. ft. may
be able to comfortably accommodate five people.
[0027] In some instances, customers, particularly those who camp frequently, may feel the
need to purchase multiple tents of different sizes in order to accommodate groups
of varying sizes. This can result in customers being forced to spend large sums of
money for camping equipment. Furthermore, customers may feel the need to purchase
and store one or more tents in sizes that the customer may require for a particular
trip, but may not need very frequently. For example, a frequent 4 person camper who
seldom goes on camping trips with a larger group of 6 or more people may, nevertheless,
be required to purchase a 6-person tent for those few occasions when he or she goes
camping with a larger group or alternatively purchase another 2 person tent and split
up the group into two tents.
[0028] Therefore, an improved approach can be beneficial for overcoming these and other
disadvantages associated with conventional approaches. The disclosed technology provides
a modular tent having removable base extensions that can vary the size of the modular
tent. In some embodiments, a user can attach base extensions to an upper tent portion
of the modular tent to increase the dimensions of the modular tent according to the
needs of a particular trip. Similarly, the user can also detach base extensions from
the upper tent portion of the modular tent to decrease the dimensions of the modular
tent. In this way, a user can save on both storage space and cost by purchasing a
single modular tent with various base extensions that can be used to adjust the size
of the modular tent.
[0029] FIGURE 1 illustrates a modular tent 100, including an upper tent portion 105 and a base extension
110. In various embodiments, the upper tent portion 105 does not have a floor surface,
structure, or lining and is, therefore, left exposed to the ground on which it sits.
When the upper tent portion 105 is deployed, the lower most edges of the upper tent
portion 105 can define a base surface area. In some embodiments, the upper tent portion
105 can be paired with a floor (e.g., footprint) to be used as a tent. Alternatively,
in some embodiments, the upper tent portion 105 can be used in conjunction with the
base extension 110. The base extension 110 has a floor surface, structure, or lining
150 that prevents the bottom of the base extension 110 from being exposed to the ground
on which the base extension 110 sits. In such embodiments, one or more dimensions
of the modular tent 100, including the base surface area, and thus the size of the
modular tent 100 can be increased by joining the base extension 110 to the upper tent
portion 105. In some embodiments, the base extension 110 can be removed to allow for
a second base extension to be secured to the upper portion of the tent 105. In such
embodiments, the second base extension can have a base surface area that is greater
than the base surface area of the base extension 110 as well as the base surface area
of just the upper tent portion 105. Thus, by attaching the second base extension to
the upper tent portion 105, the overall size and surface area of the modular tent
100 can be increased to adapt to the needs of its users.
[0030] The modular tent 100 is structurally supported by support poles 115. The support
poles 115 are secured to the upper tent portion 105 and the base extension 110 using
at least a plurality of straps 120. The upper tent portion 105 includes a door 125,
which can be opened and closed using a door zip fastener 130. In the embodiment shown
in FIGURE 1, the door zip fastener 130 extends from the upper left hand corner of
the door 125 to the bottom right hand corner. The base extension 110 is secured to
the upper tent portion 105 by an extension zip fastener 135. In the embodiment shown
in FIGURE 1, the extension zip fastener 135 begins at a start point 140 proximate
the bottom right hand corner of the door 125, and continues counter-clockwise around
the modular tent 100 to an end point 145, just to the left of the start point 140.
In such embodiments, the start point 140 and the end point 145 are proximate one another,
but disconnected, such that there is a clear zip fastener start point and zip fastener
end point. By arranging the door zip fastener 130 and the extension zip fastener 135
in this way, the door zip fastener 130 and the extension zip fastener 135 can work
in tandem to open and close the door 125. To open the door 125, the door zip fastener
130 can be completely unzipped by moving the handle of the door zip fastener 130 from
the bottom right hand corner of the door 125 to the upper left hand corner. The extension
zip fastener 135 can be partially unzipped from the end point 145 to proximate the
bottom left-hand corner of the door 125. When these two zip fasteners 130, 135 are
unzipped in this manner, three of the four sides of the door 125 are unsecured, thereby
permitting tent occupants to enter and leave the modular tent 100. Although the disclosed
embodiment uses a single continuous zip fastener 135, more than one discrete independent
piece can be used to connect the upper tent portion 105 to the base extension 110.
For example, there may be a separate zip fastener used for each wall corner. Furthermore,
although disclosed embodiments use zip fasteners to secure different components together,
it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any appropriate
fastener can be used, including zip fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, press-in fasteners,
detachable sliders, buttons, Velcro, and the like.
[0031] It can be seen in FIGURE 1 that the base extension 110 has a height H, a base length
L, and a base width W. In FIGURE 1, the base extension 110 is used to increase the
base surface area of the modular tent 100. For example, the upper tent portion 105
alone may have a base surface area
x. The base extension 110 may have a base surface area
y, where
y is greater than
x. In this example, by attaching the upper tent portion 105 to the base extension 110,
the base surface area for the modular tent 100 becomes
y and, therefore, increases. By attaching base extensions of varying dimensions, the
base surface area and thus the size of the modular tent 100 can be modified, and,
therefore, the number of people that can be accommodated by the modular tent 100 can
also be modified as needed to accommodate more or fewer individuals.
[0032] The modular tent 100 is provided as just one example design and any of the embodiments
described herein may vary in a number of ways including, for example, design, size,
geometric shape, etc. For example, the modular tent 100 can be domed, hexagonal, elliptical,
pyramid, or any other geometric design. As another example, the base surface area
defined by the upper tent portion and base surface area of the base extension can
be rectangular, triangular, circular, etc.
[0033] FIGURE 2 illustrates a modular tent 200 having the same upper tent portion 105 as FIGURE 1,
but with a larger base extension 205 zip-fastened to the upper tent portion 105. As
shown in FIGURE 2, the larger base extension 205 has a height H+x, a base length L+y,
and a base width W+z, where the size of each x, y, and z increases the respective
height H, base length L, and base width W. By replacing the base extension 110 of
FIGURE 1 with the larger base extension 205 of FIGURE 2, a user can increase the dimensions
of the modular tent 200, including the base surface area and thus the size of the
modular tent 200, so that the modular tent 200 can accommodate more people and/or
storage.
[0034] It may be the case that the support poles 115 will also have to be adjusted based
on the varying size of the modular tent 200. For example, a larger tent may require
larger support poles. This may be addressed in a variety of ways. In some embodiments,
users may purchase support poles of varying lengths to be used in conjunction with
base extensions of varying sizes. In some embodiments, the support poles 115 may be
extendable support poles or modular support poles so that the size of the support
poles 115 can be adjusted according to the size of the modular tent. In some embodiments,
the straps 120 used to secure the support poles 115 to the upper tent portion 105
and the base extension 205 can be variable in size or length. For example, support
poles that are long enough to support a relatively large modular tent can be used
to support a smaller modular tent by increasing the length of the straps 120. In certain
embodiments, rather than using straps 120, the support poles 115 may be secured using
sleeves. In this case, rather than adjusting the length of the straps 120, the dimensions
of the sleeves may be adjusted to accommodate modular tents and base extensions of
varying dimensions.
[0035] The use of an outer cover, or a rainfly, to cover the outside of a tent is common.
A rainfly used in conjunction with the modular tents 100, 200 disclosed herein can
also include extensions to adjust the dimensions of the rainfly based on the dimensions
of the modular tent and/or the base extension. For example, a rainfly can be provided
that is large enough to cover the smaller modular tent 100, and rainfly extensions
can be secured to the rainfly to increase the dimensions of the rainfly to cover the
larger modular tent 200. Alternatively, a full rainfly for the smaller modular tent
100 can also be used as a partial rainfly for the larger modular tent 200. Alternatively,
a partial rainfly adequate to cover the upper tent portion 105 can be used as a partial
rainfly for both the modular tents 100 and 200. Rainfly extensions can be secured
to the base rainfly using any appropriate fastener, including zip fasteners, hook
and loop fasteners, press-in fasteners, detachable sliders, and the like. Other common
knowledge features of securing a rainfly to a tent, poles and the ground should be
understood to be part of the rainfly designed for the modular tents disclosed herein.
[0036] The base extension 205 shown in FIGURE 2 includes a door extension 210. The door
extension 210 allows for a user to increase the height of the modular tent without
increasing the height of the entryway. The door extension 210 is opened and closed
using a separate door extension zip fastener 215. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE
2, the door extension fastener 215 is opened from the top right corner of the door
extension to the bottom left corner, and closed from the bottom left corner to the
top right corner of the door extension. Operation of the door 125 and the door extension
210 are discussed in greater detail herein, particularly with reference to FIGURES
6 and 7.
[0037] FIGURE 3 provides a perspective view of the upper tent portion 105. As discussed above, the
upper tent portion 105 includes a door 125, that can be opened and closed using a
door zip fastener 130. As shown by an arrow 300, the door zip fastener 130 is movable
between the top left hand corner of the door 125, and the bottom right hand corner.
In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, the door 125 is opened by sliding a handle of
the door zip fastener 130 from the bottom right hand corner to the top left hand corner.
Similarly, the door 125 is secured closed by sliding the handle of the door zip fastener
130 in the opposite direction from the top left hand corner to the bottom right hand
corner. The upper tent portion 105 can be secured to a base extension by securing
an upper portion of the extension zip fastener 135a to a corresponding lower portion
of the extension zip fastener on the base extension. In various embodiments, the upper
tent portion 105 is open at its based and does not have a floor surface.
[0038] FIGURE 4 provides a perspective view of a base extension 110, including the lower portion
of the extension zip fastener 135b. In various embodiments, the base extension 110
includes a floor surface 402 to provide a floor surface for the modular tent 100.
[0039] FIGURE 5 provides a perspective view of the upper tent portion 105 secured to the base extension
110 via the extension zip fastener 135. As discussed above, the upper tent portion
105 can be secured to the base extension 110 by securing the upper portion of the
extension zip fastener 135a to the lower portion of the extension zip fastener 135b
at a start point 140. The extension zip fastener 135 is closed by moving a handle
of the zip fastener 135 counter-clockwise around the modular tent 100 (arrow 500)
until it reaches an end point 145, located just to the left of the start point 140.
The door 125 can be opened by unzipping the door zip fastener 130 from the bottom
right corner of the door to the top left corner arrow 505, and unzipping the extension
zip fastener 135 from the end point 145 to proximate the bottom left corner of the
door 125 (arrow 510). The configuration of the start point 140 and the end point 145
is provided as one example and, naturally, other approaches, start points, and end
points may be used to secure the upper tent portion 105 and the base extension 110.
[0040] FIGURE 6 illustrates a perspective view of a larger base extension 205, which includes a door
extension 210 and a door extension zip fastener 215. The door extension zip fastener
215 can be secured, or closed, by sliding a handle of the door extension zip fastener
215 from the bottom left hand corner of the door extension 210 to the top right corner
of the door extension 210. The door extension 210 can be opened by sliding the door
extension zip fastener 215 in the opposite direction, as illustrated by the arrow
600. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the removable base extension 205 has a floor
surface, structure, or lining 602 that prevents the bottom of the base extension 205
from being exposed to the ground and provides a floor surface for the modular tent
200. As shown in
FIGURE 6, the door extension zip fastener 215 is configured to fasten the door extension 210
by sliding a handle of the door extension zip fastener 215 along a curve 604. However,
the zipper configuration may differ depending on the implementation. For example,
in some embodiments, zipper may be configured so that the door extension zip fastener
215 fastens the door extension 210 along a right angle instead of a curve 604.
[0041] FIGURE 7 illustrates a perspective view of a modular tent 200 in which the upper tent portion
105 has been secured to the larger base extension 205. The operation of the door 125
can be similar to that described with regard to FIGURE 5. For example, the door can
be opened by unzipping the door zip fastener 130 along a direction indicated by the
arrow 705. However, in this case, the extension zip fastener 135 does not need to
be undone to allow ingress and egress from the modular tent 200. Instead, the door
extension 210 can be opened by unzipping the door extension zip fastener 215 along
a direction indicated by the arrow 710. When the door zip fastener 130 and the door
extension zip fastener 215 are unzipped in this way, the door 125 and the door extension
210 can open as a single, connected piece to create an entryway (e.g., opening) having
a lower entryway height. In some embodiments, the height of the door extension 210
can be such that an entryway height, defined as the distance from the bottom of the
base extension 205 to the bottom of the door extension 210, satisfies a maximum entryway
height threshold, or satisfies a uniform entryway height. For example, if a uniform
entryway height is set at 4-inches, then a base extension having a height of 4-inches
would not require a door extension, a base extension having a height of 6-inches would
require a 2-inch door extension, and a base extension having a height of 10-inches
would require a 6-inch door extension, and so forth. As shown in
FIGURE 7, the door extension zip fastener 215 is configured to fasten the door extension 210
by sliding a handle of the door extension zip fastener 215 along a curve 704. However,
the zipper configuration may differ depending on the implementation. For example,
in some embodiments, zipper may be configured so that the door extension zip fastener
215 fastens the door extension 210 along a right angle instead of a curve 704.
[0042] Although the embodiments discussed above have discussed a single base extension being
secured to an upper tent portion, it should be appreciated that a modular tent with
variable dimensions could also be achieved by securing multiple extensions to one
another, and securing those multiple extensions to the upper tent portion. In other
embodiments, various components of varying sizes other than the base extensions may
also be removable and replaceable. For example, doors of varying sizes may be available
and can be matched with different upper tent portions and different combinations of
base extensions.
[0043] FIGURE 8 illustrates an example method 800 associated with operating a modular tent, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that there can
be additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed in similar or alternative orders,
or in parallel, based on the various features and embodiments discussed herein unless
otherwise stated.
[0044] At block 802, the example method 800 can secure a first base extension to an upper
tent portion, the first base extension having a first base surface area. At block
804, the example method 800 can remove the first base extension from the upper tent
portion. At block 806, the example method 800 can secure a second base extension to
the upper tent portion, the second base extension having a second base surface area
that is different from the first base surface area.
[0045] For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the description. It will be apparent, however,
to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without
these specific details. In some instances, modules, structures, processes, features,
and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the description.
In other instances, functional block diagrams and flow diagrams are shown to represent
data and logic flows. The components of block diagrams and flow diagrams (e.g., modules,
blocks, structures, devices, features, etc.) may be variously combined, separated,
removed, reordered, and replaced in a manner other than as expressly described and
depicted herein.
[0046] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "other embodiments",
"one series of embodiments", "some embodiments", "various embodiments", "certain embodiments",
or the like means that a particular feature, design, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment
of the disclosure. The appearances of, for example, the phrase "in one embodiment"
or "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, whether or not there is express reference
to an "embodiment" or the like, various features are described, which may be variously
combined and included in some embodiments, but also variously omitted in other embodiments.
Similarly, various features are described that may be preferences or requirements
for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.
[0047] Example embodiments are set out in the following clauses:
Clause 1: A modular tent comprising: an upper tent portion defining a first base surface
area, wherein the upper tent portion does not include a floor surface; and a base
extension that includes a floor surface having a second base surface area, the second
base surface area being larger than the first base surface area, wherein the base
extension is removably secured to the upper tent portion, wherein the base extension,
when secured to the upper tent portion, results in a base surface area of the modular
tent increasing to the second base surface area.
Clause 2: The modular tent of clause 1, wherein the upper tent portion includes a
door, and the base extension includes a door extension.
Clause 3: The modular tent of clause 2, wherein the door extension lowers an entryway
height of the modular tent.
Clause 4: The modular tent of clause 2, wherein the door extension is removably secured
to the door.
Clause 5: The modular tent of clause 1, wherein the base extension is removably secured
to the upper tent portion using zip fastener.
Clause 6: The modular tent of clause 1, further comprising one or more tent poles,
wherein the tent poles are each adjustable in length.
Clause 7: The modular tent of clause 1, further comprising a rainfly having one or
more adjustable dimensions.
Clause 8: The modular tent of clause 1, wherein the base extension is removably secured
to the upper tent portion using at least one of: a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener,
a press-in fastener, or a detachable slider.
Clause 9: An apparatus comprising: a base extension that includes a floor surface,
the base extension being configured to be removably secured to an upper tent portion
to increase a base surface area defined by the upper tent portion, wherein the upper
tent portion does not include a floor surface; and a fastener for securing the base
extension to the upper tent portion.
Clause 10: The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the base extension comprises a door
extension for extending an entryway of the upper tent portion.
Clause 11: The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the door extension is configured to
be removably secured to a door on the upper tent portion.
Clause 12: The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the fastener comprises at least one
of: a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a press-in fastener, or a detachable
slider.
Clause 13: A method comprising: deploying a modular tent having an upper tent portion,
wherein the upper tent portion does not include a floor surface; and securing a removable
first base extension that includes a floor surface to the upper tent portion of the
modular tent, the first base extension having a first base surface area that is different
from an existing base surface area defined by the upper tent portion.
Clause 14: The method of clause 13, the method further comprising: removing the removable
first base extension from the upper portion of the modular tent; and securing a second
base extension that includes a floor surface to the upper tent portion of the modular
tent, the second base extension having a second base surface area that is greater
than the first base surface area.
Clause 15: The method of clause 14, wherein the upper tent portion comprises a door,
and the second base extension comprises a door extension.
Clause 16: The method of clause 15, wherein the first base extension does not comprise
a door extension.
Clause 17: The method of clause 15, wherein when the second base extension is secured
to the upper tent portion, the door extension is removably secured to the door.
Clause 18: The method of clause 15, wherein the door extension lowers an entryway
height of the modular tent.
Clause 19: The method of clause 13, further comprising: adjusting a length of a support
pole based on the first base extension; and securing the support pole to the upper
tent portion.
Clause 20: The method of clause 13, further comprising: adjusting a size of a rainfly
based on the first base extension; and securing the rainfly to the modular tent.
[0048] The language used herein has been principally selected for readability and instructional
purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive
subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited
not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application
based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended
to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set
forth in the following claims.
1. A modular tent comprising:
an upper tent portion defining a first base surface area, the upper tent portion is
capable of being attached to a plurality of candidate base extensions, wherein the
upper tent portion includes a door that is openable and closable using a fastener;
and
a given base extension included among the candidate base extensions, the base extension
having a floor surface having a second base surface area, the second base surface
area being greater than the first base surface area, wherein the base extension includes
a door extension that is openable and closable using a different fastener,
wherein the base extension, when attached to the upper tent portion, results in a
base surface area of the modular tent increasing from the first base surface area
to the second base surface area.
2. The modular tent of claim 1, wherein the modular tent is supported using a set of
support poles, and wherein the support poles are sized to accommodate the upper tent
portion and the base extension.
3. The modular tent of claim 1, wherein the base extension is removably secured to the
upper tent portion using at least one of: a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener,
a press-in fastener, or a detachable slider.
4. The modular tent of claim 1, further comprising: a different base extension included
among the candidate base extensions, the different base extension having a floor surface
defining a third base surface area, the third base surface area being greater than
the first base surface area and the second base surface area.
5. The modular tent of claim 4, wherein the different base extension, when attached to
the upper tent portion, results in the base surface area of the modular tent increasing
from the first base surface area to the third base surface area.
6. An apparatus comprising:
a base extension that includes a floor surface, the base extension is capable of being
removably secured to an upper tent portion to increase a base surface area defined
by the upper tent portion, wherein the upper tent portion does not include a floor
surface, wherein the upper tent portion includes a door that is openable and closable
using a fastener, and wherein the base extension includes a door extension that is
openable and closable using a different fastener; and
at least one fastener for securing the base extension to the upper tent portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the door extension is configured to be irremovably
secured to a door on the upper tent portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one fastener comprises at least one
of: a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a press-in fastener, or a detachable
slider.
9. A method comprising:
deploying a modular tent having an upper tent portion, the upper tent portion having
an existing base surface area, wherein the upper tent portion includes a door that
is openable and closable using a fastener; and
attaching a removable first base extension to the upper tent portion, the first extension
being included among a plurality of candidate base extensions that are capable of
being attached to the upper tent portion, wherein the first base extension has a first
base surface area, wherein the removable first base extension includes a door extension
that is openable and closable using a different fastener,
wherein the first base surface area of the first base extension is greater than the
existing base surface area of the upper tent portion.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the existing base surface area accommodates a first
number of occupants to be housed in the modular tent, and wherein the first base surface
area accommodates a second number of occupants to be housed in the modular tent.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first base surface area accommodates a greater
number of occupants than the existing base surface area.
12. The method of claim 9, the method further comprising:
removing the removable first base extension from the upper portion of the modular
tent; and
attaching a removable second base extension to the upper tent portion, the second
base extension being included among the plurality of candidate base extensions that
are capable of being attached to the upper tent portion, wherein the second base extension
has a second base surface area that is greater than the first base surface area.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second base extension accommodates a greater number
of occupants to be housed in the modular tent than the first base extension.